King Henry calls on Canterbury to expound on whether there is any bar to Henry’s claiming the throne of France. The Archbishop offers a lengthy and somewhat convoluted argument to prove that Henry is in the right; the various lords of the council approve and press Henry to war for his claim. A messenger from France brings in a present from the Dolphin, the heir to the throne of France: it is an insulting gift of tennis balls. Angered, Henry tells the messenger to warn the French that he will press his claim to the utmost, and that for his insulting behavior the Dolphin will bear the blame. (315 lines)

Enter the King, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, Bedford, Clarence, Warwick, Westmorland, and Exeter, and other Attendants.

K. HEN.KING HENRY THE FIFTH

Where is my gracious Lord of Canterbury?

EXE.DUKE OF EXETER

Not here in presence.

K. HEN.KING HENRY THE FIFTH

Send for him, good uncle.

WEST.EARL OF WESTMORLAND

Shall we call in th’ ambassador, my liege?

K. HEN.KING HENRY THE FIFTH

Not yet, my cousin. We would be resolv’d,

Before we hear him, of some things of weight

That task our thoughts, concerning us and France.

Enter two Bishops, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely.